Business Details
Psychotherapy Services in Jefferson City, MO
With over 35 years of dedicated experience in psychotherapy, I specialize in addressing eating disorders, body image challenges, relationship dynamics, and emotional well-being. My practice integrates evidence-based approaches with a commitment to Health at Every Size principles, fostering self-acceptance and holistic healing. Holding a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Missouri, I combine clinical expertise with academic rigor through publications, professional education, and advocacy against weight stigma. My work bridges direct client care, systemic change in healthcare education, and cross-generational dialogue to advance body liberation.As a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst, I prioritize creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces for individuals, couples, and families to explore their unique paths to wellness. My contributions to edited volumes like Weight Bias in Health Education and Weight and Wisdom reflect my dedication to challenging harmful cultural narratives about bodies. Through private practice, teaching, and public speaking, I strive to empower clients to cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and authentic connections in their personal and professional lives.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couple Therapy
Family Therapy
Professional Consultations
Continuing Education
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in eating disorder treatment
- Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion from University of Missouri
- Co-editor of groundbreaking weight bias research publications
- Offers Health at Every Size-aligned therapeutic approaches
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychoanalysis-trained clinician
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized psychotherapy sessions addressing eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, depression, and stress management. Utilizing psychodynamic and Health at Every Size approaches, treatment focuses on developing self-compassion and breaking cycles of disordered eating. Clients receive tailored support for improving mental health while challenging harmful weight stigma narratives.
Couple Therapy
Specialized therapy for romantic partners seeking to improve communication and resolve conflicts. Addresses relationship dynamics impacted by body image issues and societal weight bias. Helps couples develop healthier patterns of support while navigating personal and systemic challenges related to size-based discrimination.
Family Therapy
Systemic approach to improving family relationships affected by eating disorders or weight-related conflicts. Focuses on creating supportive home environments and addressing intergenerational patterns of body dissatisfaction. Teaches families how to provide effective support while respecting individual autonomy and health needs.
Professional Consultations
Expert guidance for healthcare providers seeking to implement weight-inclusive practices and reduce bias in patient care. Draws on research from co-edited volumes to help professionals develop trauma-informed approaches that prioritize holistic well-being over weight-focused outcomes in clinical settings.
Continuing Education
Educational programs for mental health practitioners on Health at Every Size principles and anti-bias practices. Curriculum incorporates findings from weight bias research to improve treatment outcomes for clients of all sizes through evidence-based, compassionate care frameworks.
People
Nancy Ellis-Ordway LCSW, PhD
Psychotherapist
Dr. Nancy Ellis-Ordway LCSW, PhD is a licensed clinical social worker with 35+ years of experience in eating disorder treatment and weight stigma research. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion from the University of Missouri and has co-edited three influential books on body liberation. Her practice integrates psychoanalytic training with Health at Every Size principles to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I utilize psychodynamic psychotherapy combined with Health at Every Size principles to address eating disorders, body image issues, and relationship challenges through a weight-inclusive lens.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
I am not accepting new therapy clients at this time, but I offer professional consultations and continuing education programs for healthcare providers.
What publications have you contributed to?
I co-edited Weight Bias in Health Education (2021) and Weight and Wisdom (2025), and authored Thrive at Any Weight (2019), all focusing on combating weight stigma in healthcare and society.
Do you offer online therapy sessions?
While I previously offered telehealth options, I am currently not accepting new therapy clients in any format as I focus on professional consultations and educational initiatives.
What continuing education programs do you provide?
I teach professional development courses on implementing weight-inclusive practices and reducing bias in healthcare, drawing from my research and clinical experience with eating disorders.
